Students who are Estranged

Estranged students are young people aged between 18 and 24 who are studying without the support and approval of their family network due to a breakdown in their relationship. This might be biological, step or adoptive parents.  

Am I estranged from my parents?  

If you have not communicated with your biological, step or adoptive parents for 12 months (although Student Finance England, will consider all cases) and the situation is irreconcilable, then you may be classed as estranged.    

This means no written or verbal contact with either parent or that this is unlikely to change.  

You cannot apply as estranged just because:  

• your parents don’t financially support you  

• you don’t get on with your parents  

• you don’t live with your parents  

• your parents do not want to give details of their income or refuse to provide financial support to you.  

If you are uncertain or want to understand whether you are estranged, the Stand Alone  website offers a lot of helpful information.  You can also check the UCAS guidance for estranged students.   

You can email advice@su.plymouth.ac.uk for further support  

 

Updated March 2025